Jonnie Elna (Bale) McLain (1925-2010)

MCLAIN, BALE, HOLCOMB, LUNDBY, LARSON, SWITZER

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 8/5/2012 at 19:22:38

From Chet Ryan Mortuary obituary, Nevada, Story County, Iowa:

Name:
Jonnie Elna (Bale) McLain

Dates:
Birth date: March 30, 1925
Death date: November 13, 2010

Obituary:

Jonnie Elna McLain, 85 of Nevada died on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Bethany Manor in Story City. Memorial services will be held 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 18 at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Kevin Leveck officiating. The Nevada Municipal Cemetery will be Jonnie's final resting place next to her husband Fred.

Jonnie was born on March 30, 1925 in Terrell, TX to John Elbert and Lavona (Holcomb) Bale. She was a 1941 graduate of Terrell High School and attended Texas Woman’s University in Denton Texas. On April 24, 1943, Jonnie married Fred Russell McLain in Terrell. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Nevada, 50 year member of P.E.O. Chapter NE in Nevada, ODO Club and Indian Creek Country Club. Jonnie was an avid bridge player and passionate about politics both on the national and state levels. Her kitchen was a stop for all Democratic Party incumbents and potential candidates. Jonnie was invited to the White House on numerous occasions due to her strong dedication and political knowledge that she so dearly loved to share with friends and family.

Jonnie was a lifelong partner in a successful Iowa family farming business. A Texan by birth, she moved to Iowa in her early 20s, and served side by side with her husband, Fred, to develop and expand the farm, while providing a warm and loving home for her family. When Fred died in 2003, she became the leader of the McLain farms and the social center for the family, both of those roles she continued fulfilling until her death.

Jonnie is survived by her children, Fred (Peggy) McLain of Gaithersburg, MD, Diane Lundby of Ft. Worth, TX, Frank (Cynthia Ryan) McLain of Nevada and Cindy A. McLain of Wolfe City, TX; grandchildren, Michelle McLain, John (Julie) McLain, Emily McLain, Jessica Lundby, Tina (Joey) Larson, Frankie McLain, William Switzer, James Switzer and a honorary granddaughter Nicole Ryan; 4 great grandchildren, Austin Larson, Alex McLain, Jake McLain, and Jenna Larson; her brother, Don (Margit) Bale of Burkburnett, TX; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jonnie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fred on July 11, 2003, sisters, Maggie Warden and Jo Ann Bale, and son-in-law Eric Lundby on December 14, 2009.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jonnie's name.

Memorials:

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jonnie's name. Memorials may be directed to the respective family member or to Chet Ryan Mortuary, 708 Fifth Street, Nevada, IA 50201 Attn: The Jonnie McLain Family.

Visitation:

No visitation is scheduled.

Service:

Memorial services will be held 11 A.M. at First United Methodist Church 1036 7th Street Nevada, IA 50201 on Thursday, November 18, 2010 (map/driving directions)

Cemetery:

The Nevada Municipal Cemetery 1026 1st Street Nevada, IA 50201 will be Jonnie's final resting place next to her husband Fred.

http://www.chetryanmortuary.com/
 

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